Complete Guide to Recovering Deleted Files

This guide will explain how to recover files accidentally deleted from your computer or other storage media. Data recovery is possible if the space occupied by the deleted files has not been overwritten by new data. There are specific software programs, even free ones, that analyze hard drives, SSDs, microSD cards, USB drives, and other media to identify and restore deleted files.

This guide is useful for those who need to recover important documents, photos, videos, or other files accidentally deleted. Whether you have a PC or a Mac, you will find the solutions best suited to your needs.

Keep in mind that the success of the recovery depends on the condition of the media and the time elapsed since the deletion. The more the media is used after deletion, the lower the likelihood of recovering the files.

Prerequisites

To follow this guide and attempt to recover deleted files, you will need the following tools:

• A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
• A storage medium (hard drive, SSD, microSD, USB drive, etc.) from which to recover the files
• An Internet connection to download the recovery software
• Another storage medium (optional) to save the recovered files, different from the one from which you are recovering the data

PROCEDURE: Recovering deleted files with PhotoRec

By following this step-by-step guide, you will be able to recover files accidentally deleted from your hard drive using PhotoRec.

• Step 1: Download PhotoRec
  • Go to the official PhotoRec website.
• Step 2: Install PhotoRec on Windows
  • Run the executable qphotorecwin.exe.
• Step 3: Configure PhotoRec on Windows
  • In the window that appears, expand the dropdown menu at the top to choose the disk to act on.
  • Select the main partition of the chosen drive.
  • Choose the file system used for formatting the partition (e.g., FAT/NTFS/HFS+/ReiserFS or ext2/ext3/ext4 file system).
  • Select an option between "Free: search for documents only in unallocated space" or "Complete: extraction of documents from the entire partition".
• Step 4: Select the types of files to recover
  • Click the File formats button.
  • Press the Reset button.
  • Select the types of files you want to recover (e.g., images, videos, music).
  • Save the preferences by clicking OK.
• Step 5: Indicate the destination folder
• Step 6: Start the data recovery
  • Click the Search button to start the data recovery.
• Step 7: Install PhotoRec on macOS
  • Extract the downloaded TAR.BZ2 file to a folder of your choice.
• Step 8: Configure PhotoRec on macOS
  • The Terminal window will open.
  • Use the right arrow key on your Mac's keyboard to select the Sudo option.
  • Press the Enter key and type the computer's administrator password.
  • Select the disk of interest.
  • Indicate the partition you want to act on.
  • Select the file system with which the media is formatted.
  • Determine whether to scan only the space marked as free or to thoroughly check the entire drive.

VERIFICATION AND TROUBLESHOOTING: How to test if it works and what to do if it fails

After following the instructions for recovering deleted files, it is important to verify the effectiveness of the process and know how to act in case of problems.

Testing file recovery

• Check the recovered files: Check the destination folder chosen during the recovery process. Make sure the files are present and readable.
• Check the integrity of the files: Open the recovered files to verify that they are not corrupted. For documents, check that the text is readable; for images, make sure they are not damaged; for videos, check that they play correctly.
• Compare the original files: If you have backup copies of the files, compare them with the recovered ones to ensure they are identical.

What to do if the recovery fails

• Repeat the process with another software: Try a different file recovery program. Some tools may be more successful depending on the type of file and storage media.
• Use a disk image: If the media is damaged or unstable, create a disk image and try to recover the files from the image instead of the original media.
• Contact a specialized center: If the files are extremely important and no recovery software works, consider contacting a professional data recovery service.
• Check the condition of the media: If the media has continuous errors, unusual noises, or is not recognized by the computer, avoid using it further to prevent further damage.

By following these steps, you can maximize the chances of recovering your deleted files and know how to act in case of problems.

At the end of this guide, you will have acquired a clear and practical understanding of how to recover files accidentally deleted from your computer or other storage media. By following the detailed steps, you will be able to use specific tools to attempt to restore your important data.

Remember that timeliness and proper management of the storage media are fundamental to increasing the chances of success. Avoid overwriting the deleted data and use the recommended programs carefully.

• PhotoRec: An effective open-source software for recovering various types of files.
• TestDisk: Primarily used for recovering partitions and repairing disks.

If the data is particularly important and recovery is not possible with the methods described, consider contacting a data recovery center.

Now that you have the necessary information, put what you have learned into practice and try to recover your deleted files. Good luck!